Why Are Orchid Leaf Tips Drying Up? Solutions for Home-Grown Orchids

First, it is caused by orchid anthracnose and leaf spot (round spot) disease. These diseases occur in large numbers during the plum rain season or at the turn of summer and autumn when temperatures are high and rain is frequent. The solution is to spray 50% carbendazim 1000x solution or 50% captan 500x solution during the susceptible period, once every 10 days, for 3-4 consecutive sprays.

In addition, when orchids suffer frost damage or late frost damage, the leaf tips are also prone to drying up or discoloring. Therefore, in areas where winter temperatures drop below 0°C, orchids should be moved indoors before winter to a ventilated spot with sunlight for care. When moving them back outside in spring, be careful to avoid late frost damage. The traditional experience of "no wind in spring, no direct sun in summer, no drought in autumn, no wetness in winter" is very helpful for preventing orchid leaves from drying up.

For orchid leaves whose tips have already dried up, if the condition is not too serious, manual pruning can be used. With scissors (preferably disinfected with alcohol), cut in a "∧" shape about 10 mm below the dried portion, so the pot can still remain full of green; if a fungicide is sprayed after pruning, so much the better.

Note: "No wind in spring, no direct sun in summer, no drought in autumn, no wetness in winter" means not moving orchids outdoors too early in spring, to avoid damage from strong winds; providing appropriate shade in summer to prevent scorching by the fierce sun; watering frequently in autumn to prevent drought; and keeping the potting soil from being too wet in winter to prevent freezing and root rot. This saying is relative to the natural environment of the south; if you are in the north with heated indoor rooms, you still have to judge according to your own environment!